LA Fitness gym at Tower Park set to close after wrangle over lease

A POPULAR gym in Poole is set to close next month after the landlords terminated the lease of the premises.

LA Fitness, based at Tower Park, off Yarrow Road, will close its doors for the final time on Friday, August 1, after it announced the news through its Facebook page.

In a post signed off by Martin Long LA Fitness’s CEO, it said: “Following our recent correspondence regarding the sale of LA Fitness Poole, it is unfortunate that I have to inform you of the club’s closure.

“We had found a new operator for the club in Sports Direct, however, disappointingly, the landlord has not agreed to the transfer and has notified us on the termination of the lease.

“We can confirm that the club will close effectively from 6pm on August 1, 2014.”

The post also said that LA Fitness is supporting the club’s staff to find long-term employment once the Poole site closes, and that memberships will automatically be terminated from the start of August.

Club member, Tom Deady, 48, a delivery driver from Oakdale, said: “We’re all gutted. I’ve been coming here for four years, as it is in a convenient location, there is free parking, the staff are fantastic and the other members are friendly.

“It’s just so ridiculous that the landlords won’t transfer the lease.”

Claire Rhodes, 35, from Wareham, said: “The location is just very convenient. The classes are perfectly-timed and once you come here for the gym, you can go to Tesco after or one of the restaurants. Plus it’s got a pool and a sauna there.

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.”

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Jenny Moore, 56, retired from Parkstone, said: “I’m gutted. Georgie Porgies, which is right next door, has been closed for months and now this, which is in a prime location.”

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Comments (21)

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.” Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one leg

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.”
Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one legBIGTONE

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.” Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one leg

Score: 19

roamer200 says...7:59am Sat 5 Jul 14

Always seems strange to me how two busy poole gyms have closed in the last few months both for landlord reasons.....monopoly being created?

Always seems strange to me how two busy poole gyms have closed in the last few months both for landlord reasons.....monopoly being created?roamer200

Always seems strange to me how two busy poole gyms have closed in the last few months both for landlord reasons.....monopoly being created?

Score: 25

canfordcherry says...8:38am Sat 5 Jul 14

They must have someone lined up to go in or else why turn away the rental money?

They must have someone lined up to go in or else why turn away the rental money?canfordcherry

They must have someone lined up to go in or else why turn away the rental money?

Score: 26

Tigger500 says...9:54am Sat 5 Jul 14

I've been going to this gym for years, really peeved by the news..at the end of the day it all comes down to money and greedy landlords. Annoying for us gym users but let's not forget there's a good number of people out of a job now too :-( bad decision tower park..

I've been going to this gym for years, really peeved by the news..at the end of the day it all comes down to money and greedy landlords. Annoying for us gym users but let's not forget there's a good number of people out of a job now too :-( bad decision tower park..Tigger500

I've been going to this gym for years, really peeved by the news..at the end of the day it all comes down to money and greedy landlords. Annoying for us gym users but let's not forget there's a good number of people out of a job now too :-( bad decision tower park..

Score: 25

drJones says...9:55am Sat 5 Jul 14

perhaps they aren't fit to run a business?!

perhaps they aren't fit to run a business?!drJones

perhaps they aren't fit to run a business?!

Score: 11

Fingersonthem says...10:06am Sat 5 Jul 14

Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadays

Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadaysFingersonthem

Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadays

Score: 20

Adrian XX says...10:38am Sat 5 Jul 14

Who is the landlord? I hope the property is not going to stand empty. Landlords frequently do leave property empty and I am never quite sure why. Looking for high rent when the economy picks up? I do think landlords should be charged double business rates when property is empty.

Who is the landlord?
I hope the property is not going to stand empty. Landlords frequently do leave property empty and I am never quite sure why. Looking for high rent when the economy picks up?
I do think landlords should be charged double business rates when property is empty.Adrian XX

Who is the landlord? I hope the property is not going to stand empty. Landlords frequently do leave property empty and I am never quite sure why. Looking for high rent when the economy picks up? I do think landlords should be charged double business rates when property is empty.

Score: 17

Mobsta007 says...10:50am Sat 5 Jul 14

Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...

Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...Mobsta007

Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...

Score: 11

DrownedinCorona says...12:55pm Sat 5 Jul 14

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.DrownedinCorona

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Score: 5

fedupwithfedupjobsworths says...1:45pm Sat 5 Jul 14

Mobsta007 wrote…

Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...

I really don't think a furniture company is going to go there on a Leisure Park it does not "fit" with the other facilities there . Out of the 32 clubs LA Fitness were off loading to Sports Direct two were blocked by Landlords. Poole & Belfast. Last week it was announced the Pure Gym chain will take over Belfast after making a better offer for the lease. They are a no frills operator and will close it for 3 months get rid of the pool and refit the gym. The same might happen here as there isnt a lost cost gym in Poole. Either that or the Landlord has other plans for this site and the vacant Georgie Porgies next door. Several years ago planning permission was granted for the demolition of Calendars/Georgie Porgies and replacement with a Travel Lodge & a Costa on the ground floor. This was put on hold due to the recession in 2008. Perhaps it may now go ahead on a larger scale. Who knows we will have to wait and see. Rumours will be going round for ages. All the best to the staff of LA Fitness for the future. The reception staff are always cheerful and helpful and have still been so this week which is a very difficult time for them personally. The Manager there is also excellent and if some one hasn't offered her a job somewhere i would be amazed.

[quote][p][bold]Mobsta007[/bold] wrote:
Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...[/p][/quote]I really don't think a furniture company is going to go there on a Leisure Park it does not "fit" with the other facilities there .
Out of the 32 clubs LA Fitness were off loading to Sports Direct two were blocked by Landlords. Poole & Belfast. Last week it was announced the Pure Gym chain will take over Belfast after making a better offer for the lease. They are a no frills operator and will close it for 3 months get rid of the pool and refit the gym. The same might happen here as there isnt a lost cost gym in Poole. Either that or the Landlord has other plans for this site and the vacant Georgie Porgies next door. Several years ago planning permission was granted for the demolition of Calendars/Georgie Porgies and replacement with a Travel Lodge & a Costa on the ground floor. This was put on hold due to the recession in 2008. Perhaps it may now go ahead on a larger scale. Who knows we will have to wait and see. Rumours will be going round for ages. All the best to the staff of LA Fitness for the future. The reception staff are always cheerful and helpful and have still been so this week which is a very difficult time for them personally. The Manager there is also excellent and if some one hasn't offered her a job somewhere i would be amazed.fedupwithfedupjobsworths

Mobsta007 wrote…

Supposedly a gym chain was going into take over but a furniture company has offered the landlord more money and they have taken the lease over. There are a few other gym choices nearby whether in Bournemouth or Poole, I'm giving Fitness First a try since they've recently refurbished their clubs in Bmth and Poole...

I really don't think a furniture company is going to go there on a Leisure Park it does not "fit" with the other facilities there . Out of the 32 clubs LA Fitness were off loading to Sports Direct two were blocked by Landlords. Poole & Belfast. Last week it was announced the Pure Gym chain will take over Belfast after making a better offer for the lease. They are a no frills operator and will close it for 3 months get rid of the pool and refit the gym. The same might happen here as there isnt a lost cost gym in Poole. Either that or the Landlord has other plans for this site and the vacant Georgie Porgies next door. Several years ago planning permission was granted for the demolition of Calendars/Georgie Porgies and replacement with a Travel Lodge & a Costa on the ground floor. This was put on hold due to the recession in 2008. Perhaps it may now go ahead on a larger scale. Who knows we will have to wait and see. Rumours will be going round for ages. All the best to the staff of LA Fitness for the future. The reception staff are always cheerful and helpful and have still been so this week which is a very difficult time for them personally. The Manager there is also excellent and if some one hasn't offered her a job somewhere i would be amazed.

Score: 14

Baysider says...2:04pm Sat 5 Jul 14

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.

[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.Baysider

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.

Score: 4

Bournehammer68 says...2:45pm Sat 5 Jul 14

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

There are at least 3 completely free outdoor gyms now. Poole Park, Branksome rec and Boscombe sea front oh and we have the sea for a swim. ;)

[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]There are at least 3 completely free outdoor gyms now. Poole Park, Branksome rec and Boscombe sea front oh and we have the sea for a swim. ;)Bournehammer68

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

There are at least 3 completely free outdoor gyms now. Poole Park, Branksome rec and Boscombe sea front oh and we have the sea for a swim. ;)

Score: -2

DrownedinCorona says...2:48pm Sat 5 Jul 14

Baysider wrote…

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.

Because we already do pay to use public parks with our taxes I am well aware of the cost of upkeep of parks. I think charging people extra for what is effectively recreational use is harsh especially when it is doing a benefit to people's health. It is also not just fitness instructors using these public places what about people that have a dog walking business, should they be charged for using council parks? If I thought they were using business to change or effect the landscape of parks then absolutely a cost should be put in place don't they don't harm or effect anything or anyone.

[quote][p][bold]Baysider[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.[/p][/quote]Because we already do pay to use public parks with our taxes I am well aware of the cost of upkeep of parks. I think charging people extra for what is effectively recreational use is harsh especially when it is doing a benefit to people's health. It is also not just fitness instructors using these public places what about people that have a dog walking business, should they be charged for using council parks? If I thought they were using business to change or effect the landscape of parks then absolutely a cost should be put in place don't they don't harm or effect anything or anyone.DrownedinCorona

Baysider wrote…

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Sorry but why shouldn't they have to pay to use council property as part of their business? It costs a lot of money to maintain our parks, beaches and recreation grounds and I think it's only fair that a business wishing to use it contributes to its upkeep.

Because we already do pay to use public parks with our taxes I am well aware of the cost of upkeep of parks. I think charging people extra for what is effectively recreational use is harsh especially when it is doing a benefit to people's health. It is also not just fitness instructors using these public places what about people that have a dog walking business, should they be charged for using council parks? If I thought they were using business to change or effect the landscape of parks then absolutely a cost should be put in place don't they don't harm or effect anything or anyone.

Score: 1

Wackerone says...2:55pm Sat 5 Jul 14

BIGTONE wrote…

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.” Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one leg

No, she's right. 25 mins by car, 20 mins hopping on one leg.

[quote][p][bold]BIGTONE[/bold] wrote:
“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.”
Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one leg[/p][/quote]No, she's right. 25 mins by car, 20 mins hopping on one leg.Wackerone

BIGTONE wrote…

“You’ve got the gym at Parkstone but that is a good 25 minutes away from here. It’s ridiculous.” Maybe 25 mins....if you was walking on one leg

No, she's right. 25 mins by car, 20 mins hopping on one leg.

Score: 3

we-shall-see says...8:25pm Sat 5 Jul 14

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active! Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment. As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.

[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active!
Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment.
As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.we-shall-see

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active! Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment. As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.

Score: 3

Sir Beachy Head says...8:51pm Sat 5 Jul 14

A little tip for all you guys that think you'll get better looking girls and more sex if you get bigger muscles Wrong Stay fit and learn to dance. Women cant resist a bloke that dances well. They can resist musclebound self obsessed narcissists that spend hours and days in the gym grunting and slurping ptotein shakes. Trust me on this.

A little tip for all you guys that think you'll get better looking girls and more sex if you get bigger muscles
Wrong
Stay fit and learn to dance. Women cant resist a bloke that dances well. They can resist musclebound self obsessed narcissists that spend hours and days in the gym grunting and slurping ptotein shakes.
Trust me on this.Sir Beachy Head

A little tip for all you guys that think you'll get better looking girls and more sex if you get bigger muscles Wrong Stay fit and learn to dance. Women cant resist a bloke that dances well. They can resist musclebound self obsessed narcissists that spend hours and days in the gym grunting and slurping ptotein shakes. Trust me on this.

Score: 8

DrownedinCorona says...9:13pm Sat 5 Jul 14

we-shall-see wrote…

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active! Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment. As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.

Your language is forgiven, and I agree with your opinion that there are options out there for fitness that are free. However though people like to use health clubs due to the whole variety of options on fitness that they may enjoy more than the one's you suggested, everyone is different. As for your comment on my friend who does bootcamps (believe it or not I know several) they are not exempt from paying taxes. They do a tax return every year just like you and me and they pay the fee as a business. So even though you are forgiven for your language doesn't mean you were right to use it, you have your opinion, I have mine.

[quote][p][bold]we-shall-see[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active!
Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment.
As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.[/p][/quote]Your language is forgiven, and I agree with your opinion that there are options out there for fitness that are free. However though people like to use health clubs due to the whole variety of options on fitness that they may enjoy more than the one's you suggested, everyone is different.
As for your comment on my friend who does bootcamps (believe it or not I know several) they are not exempt from paying taxes. They do a tax return every year just like you and me and they pay the fee as a business. So even though you are forgiven for your language doesn't mean you were right to use it, you have your opinion, I have mine.DrownedinCorona

we-shall-see wrote…

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Forgive my language, but you are talking s**t. It is not a necessity to use a gym to get fit or active! Go for a regular brisk walk, a run, go hill walking for stamina, swimming, cycling, rock climbing the list is endless of things you can do to get fit - and best of all most of it is FREE apart from the cost of equipment. As for your mate who wants to run a bootcamp on council grounds - they would be required to pay to use it because in effect they are removing part of an open space from public use while they are going about their business/exercise classes - so if they stand to make money, why should the council not? Other businesses have to pay taxes, so bootcamp would be no different in terms of running a business.

Your language is forgiven, and I agree with your opinion that there are options out there for fitness that are free. However though people like to use health clubs due to the whole variety of options on fitness that they may enjoy more than the one's you suggested, everyone is different. As for your comment on my friend who does bootcamps (believe it or not I know several) they are not exempt from paying taxes. They do a tax return every year just like you and me and they pay the fee as a business. So even though you are forgiven for your language doesn't mean you were right to use it, you have your opinion, I have mine.

Score: 0

Chris@Bmouth says...1:20am Sun 6 Jul 14

Hopefully it's not going to stand empty - it's a bit of a fitness club desert around there. No doubt the owners are being unrealistic with the amount of rent they're seeking...

Hopefully it's not going to stand empty - it's a bit of a fitness club desert around there. No doubt the owners are being unrealistic with the amount of rent they're seeking...Chris@Bmouth

Hopefully it's not going to stand empty - it's a bit of a fitness club desert around there. No doubt the owners are being unrealistic with the amount of rent they're seeking...

Score: -3

alienmitch says...11:08am Sun 6 Jul 14

Totally gutted the gym is closing. It has given me and so many others, not just a healthier life..But support, friendships and the staff are truely caring . I am disabled LA Fitness Poole is great for parking, convient for food and refreshments inbetween training sessions.....Landown ers have made a big mistake for what GREED !!!

Totally gutted the gym is closing. It has given me and so many others, not just a healthier life..But support, friendships and the staff are truely caring . I am disabled LA Fitness Poole is great for parking, convient for food and refreshments inbetween training sessions.....Landown
ers have made a big mistake for what GREED !!!alienmitch

Totally gutted the gym is closing. It has given me and so many others, not just a healthier life..But support, friendships and the staff are truely caring . I am disabled LA Fitness Poole is great for parking, convient for food and refreshments inbetween training sessions.....Landown ers have made a big mistake for what GREED !!!

Score: 4

Yankee1 says...12:04am Mon 7 Jul 14

Fingersonthem wrote…

Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadays

I like it! Clever post!

[quote][p][bold]Fingersonthem[/bold] wrote:
Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadays[/p][/quote]I like it! Clever post!Yankee1

Fingersonthem wrote…

Nice location for a Travel Lodge, there must be something in the air and its not Ryvita nowadays

I like it! Clever post!

Score: 0

Yankee1 says...12:06am Mon 7 Jul 14

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Why must 'the authorities' dictate was is yours - and my - decision about our health? There is something called 'personal responsibility'.

[quote][p][bold]DrownedinCorona[/bold] wrote:
So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.[/p][/quote]Why must 'the authorities' dictate was is yours - and my - decision about our health?
There is something called 'personal responsibility'.Yankee1

DrownedinCorona wrote…

So the war on fitness continues, first Virgin Active now LA fitness. Sadly the cost of fitness doesn't stop with landlords and rental fees. I recently found out that if an independent instructor wants to run a outdoor bootcamp on council grounds they have to pay the council for a licence fee to do so. Forget they fact they and the participants pay taxes. When will the authorities realise that this obesity problem goes way beyond fast food and unhealthy snacks, it's because people can't afford to run or participate in fitness.

Why must 'the authorities' dictate was is yours - and my - decision about our health? There is something called 'personal responsibility'.

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